What Is Vermiculite Loft Insulation?

Instead of the more common fibreglass blanket loose fill vermiculite can be used to insulate your roof space.

This type of insulation is growing in popularity as it is not only
very easy to use but, because vermiculite is a completely natural
product, it is much more environmentally friendly then traditional
insulating methods.

Whereas the usual blanket insulation is supplied and fitted in
rolls vermiculite loft insulation comes in bags or sacks which are
simply emptied and raked into the gaps between the joists and the
ceiling / loft floor.

So What Is Vermiculite?

It is a natural material of thin flakes which are very light and
which also contain traces of water. When exposed to heat, i.e., when
heat rises into the loft, the flakes expand to provide very effective
and high quality insulation.

And, best of all for those of us who are fed up with the irritating
skin rashes when using fibreglass blankets, vermiculite does not
irritate when touched and is fibre-free.

Vermiculite loft insulation is also odourless, clean and
easy-to-handle. The material is very effective at stopping heat loss
and, in warmer temperatures, is also a coolant.

Any Downside?

If you type ‘vermiculite’ into an Internet search engine you will
find enough horror stories to make your toes curl and have you vowing
never to go into the loft ever again. Relax – its old news.

In the 1980s most vermiculite was mined in Montana. The mine was
then found to be tainted with asbestos – obviously not healthy.

This material was marketed, up until the mine closed in 1990,
mainly in Canada and obviously caused quite a stir when the asbestos
connection was uncovered.

Later investigations found that although the material could pose a
risk to health if it was disturbed during building works there was
little or no risk if the insulation was sealed under floorboards.

It is highly unlikely that any of this material found its way to
the UK and, of course, all modern production of vermiculite is extremely
safe.

There are many advantages to using this kind of insulation and you may wish to discuss using it in your with your builder or buildings inspector.